I’m excited about Oasis, but sad about the fate of venues that took a chance on them | Letters

Only 11 of the 34 venues that the band played on their first tour in 1994 have survived, writes James Kirkham, while Warren Brown challenges the Britpop supremacy of both Oasis and Blur

Like many people in their mid-40s, I’m massively enthusiastic about Oasis touring next summer time (Report, 27 August). But there’s unhappiness too. When Oasis toured for the first time in 1994, 34 grassroots venues across the UK took an opportunity and booked them. Now, only 11 of those& places still exist – the other 23& have closed for good.

It’s a stark reminder of what we’ve misplaced and what it means for the way forward for music and communities. These 23 vanished venues have been lifelines. They have been locations the place acts corresponding to Oasis, still rough around the edges, might hone their craft. They have been a part of the social material of their communities, important gathering locations. Their closures mirror growing gentrification, rising rents and a society that’s more and more prepared to sacrifice tradition for profit. When these venues disappear, we lose places you might stumble into and witness stay music which may change your life. We lose areas where art and group happens, where individuals join.